The Department of Social Development in Anguilla has again formulated a programme, spread over the month of October, in observance of the United Nations-declared International Day for Older Persons, and in association with various other countries and territories.
Mr. Clive F. Smith, Senior Social Worker, with responsibility for Older Persons, spoke to The Anguillian about some of the main activities in which the Department of Social Development will be engaged. He was speaking on behalf of Mr. Sanford Richardson, the Commissioner, various stakeholders and himself, all involved in the planning process and other related areas of service.
As part of its programme, the Department accepted an invitation from the UN Day for Older Persons organisers in St. Maarten/St. Martin for an Anguilian delegation of fifty persons to participate in a day-long event in Sandy Ground, St. Maarten, on Thursday, October 1. Seven persons – three from St. Maarten, two from St. Martin and two from Anguilla – were selected for honours, at that event, for their varied contributions to the islands. Anguilla’s honourees are centenarian Mrs. Urcilla Connor, of South Hill, who at 102 years is the oldest person on the island; and Ms. Rose Brooks, a former Nurse and Educator, of South Valley. The Social Security Board in Anguilla agreed to sponsor the trip.
The Department of Social Development in Anguilla will begin the observance of the UN Day for Older Persons with radio addresses from the Honorable Evans McNiel Rogers, Minister of Social Development, and President of the Anguilla Retired Persons’ Association, Reverend Egbert Dunstan Richardson, in keeping with the United Nation’s theme for international day for older persons: “Sustainability and Age Inclusiveness in the Urban Environment“. Other activities include a Church Service at the Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in The Valley on Sunday, October 4, commencing at 9.00 am. It is hoped that many persons, in particular senior citizens and members of the Retired Persons Association of Anguilla, will find it possible to share in the service.
On Sunday, October 18, will be the usual exchange visits for senior citizens from Dutch St. Maarten, French St. Martin and Anguilla. The event this year will be hosted by French St. Martin. .
On Thursday, October 22, there will be a half-day workshop on writing of Wills and Probates in Anguilla. The facilitators will be retired High Court Judge, Mr. Don Mitchell QC, and Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Keesha Carty.
The activities also include visits to the various senior citizens’ homes by administration personnel at Her Majesty’s Prison as well as visits to the homes by primary school children.
A radio talk show, with Keithstone Greaves of Radio Anguilla, is being planned on a date to be announced. The programme is expected to climax by the end of October with a talent show and exhibition.
“All of the activities are in keeping with the United Nations having declared the first of October as the Day for Older Persons but, we, in Anguilla, usually observe the event with a month of activities each year,” Mr Smith added.
Meanwhile, the President of the Retired Persons Association of Anguilla is Reverend Egbert Dunstan Richardson and the Chief Executive Officer is Mrs. Yolande Richardson, a former Educator. As indicated above, they are both working in association with the Department of Social Development in relation to the programme for the observance of UN Day for Older Persons in Anguilla.
